If you're planning a wedding [1], you've already got a lot of things on your plate. Stressing about your workouts shouldn't be one of them. That's why we've created this three-month plan with Bikram yoga instructor and NASM-certified personal trainer Monique Crous, founder of HOT HIIT [2]. Establishing a routine will help ensure you remain a priority in the months leading up to the big day, and with a combination of cardio and strength training [3], these workouts are just what you need to feel healthy, toned, and confident walking down the aisle [4].
Weekends are your rest days [5] on this plan, so focus on those last-minute wedding details then, while still going for a light walk with friends or doing some easy stretches [6] to help your muscles recover and keep you limber for the week ahead.
Weeks 1 and 2: Monday
Warmup
Foam rolling [7], as well as five minutes of dynamic stretching, such as:
- High knees [8]
- Mountain climbers [9]
- Squats [10]
- Lunges [11]
- Light running
"You should have enough breath to still have a conversation, but your heart rate should be elevated," Monique told POPSUGAR.
Workout: Lower Body
- Glute bridges [12]: With feet hip-width apart, do 20 reps full range of motion, and 20 reps pulsing at the top of your range of motion. Repeat twice.
- Kettlebell air squats [13]: Perform a standard air squat while holding an 8-kg kettlebell. Do two sets of 20 reps.
- Kettlebell curtsy squat [14]: Perform a standard curtsy squat while holding an 8-kg kettlebell. Do two sets of 20 reps.
- Kettlebell calf raises [15]: Do two sets of 20 reps.
- Treadmill interval: Walk on a high incline for two minutes, then sprint without incline for three minutes, completing one five-minute round. Do four sets for a 20-minute cardio session.
Cooldown
Three to five minutes of static stretching [16] and breathing exercises.
Weeks 1 and 2: Tuesday
Warmup
Foam rolling [17], as well as five minutes of dynamic stretching, such as:
- High knees [18]
- Mountain climbers [19]
- Squats [20]
- Lunges [21]
- Light running
Workout: Upper Body
- Plank [22]: Hold for 30 seconds, then add shoulder taps for 30 seconds.
- Swimming pulses: Lie on your stomach kicking, alternating arms and legs for one minute.
- Elbow plank [23]: Hold for 30 seconds, then do hip dips for 30 seconds.
- Extended locust [24]: Hold for one minute.
- Push-ups [25]: Two sets of 10 to 15 reps each.
Next you'll perform the below circuit twice. For both rounds, do 20 reps of each exercise, using a 5- to 12-pound weight:
- Bicep curls [26]
- Triceps extension [27]
- Chest press [28]
- Bent-over row [29]
- Overhead shoulder press [30]
- Treadmill interval: Walk on a high incline for two minutes, then sprint without incline for three minutes, completing one five-minute round. Do four sets for a 20-minute cardio session.
Cooldown
Three to five minutes of static stretching [31] and breathing exercises.
Weeks 1 and 2: Wednesday
Yoga can help you feel calmer and more centered, in addition to providing a workout. (What bride doesn't want that?) Try one of the routines below:
- 30-Minute Power Flow Yoga Workout [32]
- Beginner Yoga Sequence to Stretch Out [33]
- Long and Lean Full-Body Yoga Flow [34]
- Dynamic Yoga Sequence to Build Strength [35]
Weeks 1 and 2: Thursday
Warmup
Foam rolling [36], as well as five minutes of dynamic stretching, such as:
- High knees [37]
- Mountain climbers [38]
- Squats [39]
- Lunges [40]
- Light running
Workout: Cardio
- Treadmill interval: Walk on a high incline for two minutes, then sprint without incline for three minutes, completing one five-minute round. Do four sets for a 20-minute cardio session.
- StairMaster [41]: 20 minutes.
Cooldown
Three to five minutes of static stretching [42] and breathing exercises.
Weeks 1 and 2: Friday
"It's important to try new things and switch up your routine," Monique said. "Find an adventurous fitness buddy and join them for a fun class after work instead of hitting up that happy hour!" Need some inspiration? Check out this list of group fitness classes to try [43].
Weeks 3 Through 12
Follow the exercises outlined in the first two weeks, making sure you add on weight, speed, and incline. Here's an easy rule of thumb to follow from Monique:
- Weight: Increase weights by one to two pounds every two weeks.
- Speed: Increase treadmill speed by 0.2 miles per hour every two weeks.
- Incline: Increase treadmill incline by one to two percent every two weeks.